Jun 5, 2011

Author: PWA

Day 6: Albeau cleans up in Costa Brava claiming his first event of the year whilst last minute wind puts a critical spin on the event standings.

A sluggish start to the day in Costa Brava saw a morning of minimal action. Overcast skies put a pause on the thermal wind allowing the tension to mount as the day progressed. Two o’clock came and went marking the release of the sailors that were no longer in the final elimination whilst the rest of the fleet waited anxiously on the water’s edge. As the afternoon continued hopes of any wind began to fade, but as the old saying goes ‘it’s not over until the fat lady sings.’

In true Catalunya style the thermal kicked in between 8-13 knots, just enough to complete elimination 8 and enabling some last minute drama to unfold.

Six more heats down and we were into the winner’s final. Alberto Menegatti (Starboard/ Gaastra) took off with a great start closely followed by Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Starboard / Severne / Mystic / DunkerbeckEyewear). With little to lose Antoine Albeau (JP/ NeilPryde) looked to be taking it easy hanging back with the rest of the pack. Menegatti and Dunkerbeck continued to work their way further in front as the marks passed by, seeing Menegatti claim his first PWA race and the legendary “sailor of day” award.

The loser’s final saw the wind dropping off slightly and the sailors really had to work their way around the course often coming to a complete stop at the marks. Micah Buzianis (JP / NeilPryde) put in an awe-inspiring performance grafting hard to keep his kit on the plane in-order to maintain first the whole way around. Ross Williams (Tabou / Gaastra) worked his way from 4th to 3rd overtaking Jesper Orth (RRD) on the third leg. Ludovic Jossin (Loft) put in a consistent performance holding second from start to finish.

This turn of results took Bjorn Dunkerbeck into second place, Ben Van Der Steen (Starboard /Loft / Mystic) into third and Cyril Moussilmani (Starboard / North) down into fourth.

Quotes from the ChampionsWe caught up with the newly crowned event winners to get their thoughts on taking their respective event titles.

1st Antoine Albeau (JP / NeilPryde) “I am feeling good; this is the first event I have won this year. I did really well at the beginning winning four races in a row, and then a 2nd and 3rd. Today was hard so I didn’t want to push too much. Now I am feeling confident for the rest of the season”

2nd Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Starboard / Severne / Mystic / DunkerbeckEyewear) “I feel great, I started off pretty average but I recovered every single day, I think we were pretty lucky to get the last round in the final hours. I managed to perform how I wanted making me second at this event, and most importantly a second place is great for the overall ranking. I am very happy”

3rd Ben Van Der Steen (Starboard /Loft / Mystic) “This competition was incredible, I finished in third. This is my first podium position at a PWA event. We had strong wind and light wind we had everything, the conditions were amazing and I am really pleased”

The closing ceremony ended with an element of fun when competitors were awarded their own local ‘porons’ of wine.

A massive congratulation to Antoine Albeau for claiming 1st place at the 2011 Catalunya Costa Brava PWA World Cup! This turn of events keeps Bjorn Dunkerbeck at the top of the pile in the overall rankings closely followed by Antoine Albeau.

Back on the roadThe PWA team will now be heading over the pond to the beautiful island of Bonaire for round three of the Freestyle world cup taking place on June 12th - June 16th. The island’s trade winds provide perfect, steady conditions for flat-water sailing in the beautiful Lac Bay. Where shallow waters and a clear sandy bottom will provide an excellent environment for the world’s top freestylers to do battle.